Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

2 September 2024

Reading From Ezekiel 22-23

“But she carried her whoring further. She saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion, wearing belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them having the appearance of officers, a likeness of Babylonians whose native land was Chaldea.  When she saw them, she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea.”

–Ezekiel 23:14-16

     In this passage, two symbolic sisters Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.  They allowed their lust to go unchecked and their sexual excesses went to the extreme.  Explicit language is used to describe the unfaithfulness of God’s people.  In these descriptions, Oholibah gazes at pornographic images and is so overcome with sexual desire that she sends for them. 

Sin takes us further than we want to go, keeps us there longer than we want to stay and makes us pay far more than we want to pay.  The example of Joseph when he was sought after by Potiphar’s wife is what we all should follow. When we see temptation, don’t stop to look at the wall. Run!

“Lord, I pray that You would deliver Your people from the prison of pornography.  Bring about real freedom from this addiction.  No matter what amount of lust we struggle with as individuals, may we treat each other with grace, humility, mercy and love as we walk with You and process through the baggage we carry with us.  Thank You that You bear our burdens and that You paid the penalty for all our sins.  Purify us from all unrighteousness and lead us forward in faith and freedom.  I pray these things in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

–Psalm 119:37-40

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

 –Psalm 51:10